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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Fungal Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Streptococcus Viridans Group is a non-standardized allergenic extract used in clinical immunology for diagnostic skin testing and therapeutic immunotherapy for specific bacterial hypersensitivities.
Name
Streptococcus Viridans Group
Raw Name
STREPTOCOCCUS VIRIDANS GROUP
Category
Non-Standardized Fungal Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
20
Variant Count
21
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Streptococcus Viridans Group
Streptococcus Viridans Group is a non-standardized allergenic extract used in clinical immunology for diagnostic skin testing and therapeutic immunotherapy for specific bacterial hypersensitivities.
Detailed information about Streptococcus Viridans Group
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Streptococcus Viridans Group.
Streptococcus Viridans Group (SVG) refers to a large and diverse collection of commensal streptococcal bacteria that are primarily found in the oropharynx (mouth and throat), gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract. In the context of clinical pharmacology and immunology, the Streptococcus Viridans Group active ingredient is formulated as a non-standardized allergenic extract. This extract is categorized under the pharmacological class of Non-Standardized Fungal, Food, or Plant Allergenic Extracts [EPC], though it specifically targets bacterial antigens. These extracts are utilized by allergists and immunologists for the diagnosis and treatment of hypersensitivity reactions that may be triggered by exposure to these bacterial proteins.
The Streptococcus Viridans Group includes several important species such as Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus salivarius. While these bacteria are generally considered low-virulence organisms in healthy individuals, they can become pathogenic in certain clinical scenarios, such as subacute bacterial endocarditis (an infection of the heart valves). However, the therapeutic extract is not used to treat infections; rather, it is used to manage the immune system's overreaction to these organisms. The FDA approval history for non-standardized extracts dates back several decades, reflecting a long-standing clinical practice of using bacterial antigens to modulate immune responses, although modern clinical focus has shifted toward more standardized allergens.
As an allergenic extract, Streptococcus Viridans Group works through the principles of immunomodulation (adjusting the immune response). When used for diagnostic purposes, such as a skin prick test or an intradermal test, the extract is introduced into the skin. If the patient has pre-existing IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibodies specific to Streptococcus Viridans antigens, these antibodies will bind to the extract's proteins. This binding triggers mast cells (immune cells) to degranulate, releasing histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This results in a localized 'wheal and flare' reaction (a raised bump and redness), which confirms the patient's sensitivity.
When used for immunotherapy (allergy shots), the mechanism involves the repeated administration of gradually increasing doses of the extract. Over time, this process induces 'immune tolerance.' At the molecular level, this is thought to involve a shift from a Th2-dominated immune response (which promotes allergy) to a Th1-dominated response. It also stimulates the production of IgG4 'blocking antibodies,' which compete with IgE for binding sites on the allergen, and increases the activity of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) that suppress allergic inflammation. This comprehensive recalibration of the immune system reduces the severity of symptoms upon subsequent natural exposure to the bacteria.
Traditional pharmacokinetic studies (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) are not typically performed for allergenic extracts like Streptococcus Viridans Group because they are not systemic drugs in the traditional sense. Instead, their activity is measured by their immunological impact.
Streptococcus Viridans Group extracts are indicated for:
Streptococcus Viridans Group is typically available in the following forms:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Streptococcus Viridans Group is right for your specific condition. The use of allergenic extracts must be supervised by a physician trained in the management of anaphylaxis.
Dosage for Streptococcus Viridans Group must be highly individualized based on the patient's sensitivity levels, clinical history, and response to initial testing. There is no single 'standard' dose for all patients.
Streptococcus Viridans Group extract may be used in children, but extreme caution is required. Dosing principles are similar to adults, but the starting dose may be even more conservative. Pediatric patients must be closely monitored for systemic reactions, as they may have more difficulty communicating early symptoms of anaphylaxis. Safety and effectiveness in children under the age of 5 have not been extensively established.
No specific dosage adjustments are required for patients with kidney disease, as the extract is not cleared through primary renal filtration mechanisms. However, the patient's overall health status should be stable before administration.
No dosage adjustments are typically necessary for hepatic impairment. The proteolytic breakdown of the extract occurs primarily in the lymphatic and immune systems.
Older adults may have a diminished skin response to testing. Caution is advised in patients with co-morbid cardiovascular disease, as they may be at higher risk if a systemic reaction occurs.
If a dose in the build-up phase is missed, the next dose may need to be reduced depending on the length of the delay. If the delay is more than 1-2 weeks, the dose is often held at the previous level. If the delay is several weeks, the dose may need to be reduced significantly to avoid a systemic reaction. Consult your allergist for a specific 'catch-up' schedule.
An overdose of Streptococcus Viridans Group extract usually manifests as an exaggerated local reaction or a systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Symptoms include hives, swelling of the throat, wheezing, and low blood pressure. Emergency treatment involves the immediate administration of epinephrine and supportive care.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance. Always inform your provider of any new medications or health changes between doses.
Most patients receiving Streptococcus Viridans Group extracts will experience some form of local reaction at the site of the skin test or injection. These are generally considered expected and manageable.
> Warning: Stop taking Streptococcus Viridans Group and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms of a systemic reaction or anaphylaxis.
There are no known long-term 'toxic' effects of Streptococcus Viridans Group extracts, as they are biological proteins that do not accumulate in the body. However, the primary long-term risk is the development of new sensitivities or the rare occurrence of an autoimmune-like response, though this is not well-documented in clinical literature for bacterial extracts.
While specific 'Streptococcus Viridans Group' labels may vary by manufacturer, most allergenic extracts carry a class-wide Black Box Warning regarding the risk of severe non-fatal and fatal systemic reactions.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. Even a large local reaction (larger than the palm of your hand) should be reported, as it may be a precursor to a future systemic reaction.
Streptococcus Viridans Group extracts are potent biological materials. Their use is restricted to diagnostic and therapeutic purposes under strict medical supervision. Patients must be in relatively good health at the time of injection. If you have a fever, respiratory infection, or an exacerbation of asthma, your injection should be postponed.
As noted in the side effects section, the FDA requires a Black Box Warning for allergenic extracts. The primary focus is the risk of anaphylaxis. Fatalities have occurred with the use of allergenic extracts when safety protocols were not strictly followed or when patients had poorly controlled asthma.
The risk of a systemic reaction is highest during the build-up phase of immunotherapy or when starting a new vial of extract (which may be more potent than the previous one). Patients should be educated on the signs of anaphylaxis and may be prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector for use in the rare event of a delayed reaction after leaving the clinic.
Patients with symptomatic or unstable asthma are at a significantly higher risk for a fatal reaction to allergenic extracts. Lung function (peak flow or spirometry) may be checked before an injection is administered.
Patients with pre-existing heart conditions may be less able to tolerate the physiological stress of a systemic reaction or the effects of epinephrine if it must be administered.
Streptococcus Viridans Group extract does not typically cause sedation. However, if you experience a systemic reaction, dizziness, or a vasovagal response (fainting), you should not drive or operate machinery until you have fully recovered and been cleared by a medical professional.
There is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and the extract. However, alcohol consumption can cause vasodilation (opening of blood vessels) and may potentially increase the rate of absorption of the extract or mask the early symptoms of an allergic reaction. It is generally advised to avoid alcohol for several hours before and after an injection.
Stopping immunotherapy does not usually cause a 'withdrawal' syndrome. However, the benefits of the treatment (reduced allergy symptoms) may gradually fade over time. If you stop treatment during the build-up phase and wish to restart later, you will likely need to begin again at a much lower dose.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Streptococcus Viridans Group, especially if you have a history of heart disease or lung problems.
There are few absolute contraindications for drug combinations, but the following are of extreme concern:
There are no known direct food interactions with Streptococcus Viridans Group extract. However, patients should avoid heavy meals immediately before an injection to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal distress if a systemic reaction occurs.
Streptococcus Viridans Group extract does not typically interfere with standard blood chemistry or hematology tests. However, it will directly affect the results of:
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially those for blood pressure or depression.
Streptococcus Viridans Group extract must NEVER be used in the following situations:
These conditions require a careful risk-benefit analysis by the physician:
Patients allergic to one species within the Streptococcus Viridans Group may show cross-reactivity to others. There is also potential cross-reactivity with other Gram-positive bacterial extracts. However, there is no cross-sensitivity with common antibiotics like Penicillin; being allergic to the bacteria is entirely different from being allergic to the drug used to kill the bacteria.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Streptococcus Viridans Group.
Streptococcus Viridans Group extract is generally classified as FDA Pregnancy Category C. This means there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
It is not known whether the antigens or the antibodies produced during treatment are excreted in human milk. However, since the extract consists of proteins that are likely digested in the infant's gut, the risk to a nursing infant is considered low. The decision to continue treatment should be made after discussing the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
As discussed, the extract can be used in children, but it is generally reserved for those old enough to cooperate with the procedure and report symptoms. The safety of bacterial extracts in infants has not been established. In older children, growth and development do not appear to be affected by long-term immunotherapy.
Clinical studies of allergenic extracts often do not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over. In general, elderly patients should be treated cautiously, starting at the lower end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased cardiac function and concomitant drug therapy.
No specific studies have been conducted in patients with renal impairment. However, because the proteins are metabolized by proteases rather than excreted by the kidneys, no significant accumulation is expected. Monitoring for overall tolerance is recommended.
There is no evidence that liver disease significantly alters the response to or the safety of Streptococcus Viridans Group extracts. The liver is not the primary site of action or metabolism for these immunological agents.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your specialist if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Streptococcus Viridans Group extract functions as an exogenous antigen. Upon administration, the primary molecular targets are IgE antibodies bound to the surface of mast cells and basophils.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous/Local) |
| Protein Binding | Primarily to IgE and IgG4 antibodies |
| Half-life | Minutes to hours (for the proteins) |
| Tmax | 15-20 minutes (for skin reaction) |
| Metabolism | Localized proteolysis |
| Excretion | Not traditionally measured |
Streptococcus Viridans Group belongs to the class of Allergenic Extracts. It is specifically a bacterial extract used for 'Bacterial Allergy' protocols, a niche area of immunology that focuses on hypersensitivity to normal flora or chronic bacterial colonization.
Common questions about Streptococcus Viridans Group
Streptococcus Viridans Group extract is used by allergy specialists primarily for diagnostic skin testing and as a component of allergen immunotherapy. It helps identify patients who have developed a hypersensitivity (allergy) to the proteins found in these common bacteria. In some clinical practices, it is used in 'bacterial vaccine' protocols to help reduce recurrent inflammatory responses thought to be triggered by these organisms. It is not used to treat active infections like strep throat or endocarditis. Instead, it is a tool for managing the immune system's overreaction to the bacteria's presence.
The most common side effects are localized to the site of the injection or skin test. Patients frequently experience redness, itching, and a raised bump (wheal) at the site, which usually appears within minutes and fades within a few hours. Some patients may also experience 'delayed' local reactions, where swelling and redness appear several hours later and last for a day or two. While these are common, they are generally mild. However, because it is an allergen, there is always a small risk of a serious whole-body reaction called anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.
It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol on the days you receive an injection of Streptococcus Viridans Group extract. Alcohol can cause your blood vessels to dilate, which might speed up the absorption of the allergen into your bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of a systemic reaction. Furthermore, alcohol can mask early warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as flushing or a rapid heartbeat. To ensure maximum safety and accurate monitoring of your response to the treatment, it is best to remain sober for at least 24 hours around your appointment.
The safety of starting Streptococcus Viridans Group immunotherapy during pregnancy has not been established, and it is generally avoided. The main concern is not that the extract is toxic to the baby, but that a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in the mother could lead to a dangerous drop in oxygen for the fetus. If a woman is already on a stable maintenance dose and becomes pregnant, her doctor may decide to continue the injections at the same dose but will rarely increase it. You must inform your allergist immediately if you become pregnant during treatment.
For diagnostic purposes, the extract works almost immediately, producing a skin reaction within 15 to 20 minutes. However, if you are receiving the extract as part of immunotherapy (allergy shots), it takes much longer to see a therapeutic benefit. Most patients go through a 'build-up phase' lasting 3 to 6 months before reaching a maintenance dose. Significant improvement in symptoms usually isn't noticed until the maintenance phase is reached. A full course of treatment typically lasts 3 to 5 years to provide long-lasting immune tolerance.
Yes, you can stop the injections at any time without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms, as this is not a habit-forming medication. However, stopping the treatment prematurely will likely result in the return of your original allergy symptoms, as the immune system has not had enough time to develop long-term tolerance. If you miss several doses and then decide to restart, you cannot simply pick up where you left off. Your doctor will need to reduce the dose and gradually build it back up to ensure you don't have a severe reaction.
If you miss a scheduled immunotherapy injection, you should contact your allergist's office to reschedule as soon as possible. The 'safety window' for a missed dose depends on whether you are in the build-up or maintenance phase. If you miss a dose by only a few days, you may be able to continue with the planned schedule. If several weeks have passed, your doctor will likely need to reduce the dose for your next injection to prevent an adverse reaction. Never attempt to 'double up' on doses to make up for a missed one.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Streptococcus Viridans Group allergenic extracts cause weight gain. The extract consists of a very small amount of bacterial protein and does not contain hormones, steroids, or calories that would affect body weight. If you experience weight changes while on immunotherapy, they are likely due to other factors, such as lifestyle changes or other medications you may be taking. Always discuss unexplained weight changes with your primary care physician.
Many medications are safe to take with allergenic extracts, but some can be dangerous. Beta-blockers (used for heart conditions) are a major concern because they can make allergic reactions harder to treat. Antihistamines must be stopped before skin testing because they will block the reaction and lead to false results. Other drugs, like ACE inhibitors or MAO inhibitors, may also interact. It is crucial to provide your allergist with a complete and updated list of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements, before starting treatment.
The concept of 'generic' vs. 'brand name' is slightly different for allergenic extracts. Streptococcus Viridans Group is a biological product produced by several different specialized laboratories (such as HollisterStier or Greer). While they all contain the same group of bacterial antigens, they are considered 'non-standardized' and are not exactly identical. Your doctor will usually stick with one manufacturer's product for your entire course of treatment to ensure consistency in potency and to minimize the risk of reactions when switching between different vials.